On Trusting the Process (and Yourself)
How many times have you clamored, mid-stride, for a do-over? How many times have you wanted to hit the reset button before you see That Thing through to completion? How many times have you stopped yourself before you even gave yourself, or That Thing, a fighting...
Out With the Old and In With the New
We're a few days into 2015 and I haven't left the house in two days. I am actually pretty stoked about that because 2014 held a consistently frenetic pace for me, especially the last few weeks. I desperately needed some down time, so I happily claimed it on a couple...
Some Thoughts on the Importance of Giving People Space
It was time to dust off the microphone today and discuss some thoughts on giving people space to process things in their own way and on their own terms. I talk a bit about how, when we are uncomfortable with someone else's emotions, our egos can kick into gear and we...
The S.C.O.R.E. Method of Parenting Makes Back-to-School Shopping a Breeze
In today's episode of Arété Today, I get real about back-to-school shopping, dressing room degradation, and Target tantrums. Based on my recent experience of school shopping with my daughters, at least 60% of you will benefit from this advice and I have totally got...
Reflections On New Perspectives and Acting in Love
First and foremost, HOW IS IT JULY ALREADY? The first six months of 2014 have whizzed by in a blink! There is a new Areté Today podcast on iTunes today. Admittedly (and sheepishly), it has been quite some time since one has been recorded. The old me would beat myself...
Are You Tilling Your Soil? And Other Profound Lessons From the Garden
In this, the 13th installment of Areté Today, we dig deep into some profound lessons from the garden. I'm one of those people who gets my inspiration from a multitude of sources—the ocean, art, literature, other people—the list is endless. This Podcast is based around...
Is It Really Bullying? How To Know and What To Do
Most of the work I do with my Self Esteem Through Art program occurs BEFORE a bullying incident has taken place. I work in schools and with groups to boost people's self-esteem, strengthen their moral compass, and tease out the brilliance in their character. Much like...
Meanies, Conflict, and Bullying—Everything You Need to Know
In the first new episode of Areté Today in over two weeks, I discuss at length the topics of meanies, conflict, and bullying. Because I run the area's only art-based social emotional empowerment program for kids and adults, I get numerous questions around this topic....
Trash
There is a saying from Søren Kierkegaard which reads: "Life can only be understood backward, but it must be lived forward." I lived that quote last night. At our house, trash day is Friday. That means that, as part of the girls' chores on Thursday, they are expected...
10 Things That Are Better Than Sexy
If I'm being honest, being "sexy" is a nice-to-have. Life tends to be easier for the pretty people. If you're inherently sexy and attractive, it's kind of like getting a bonus in the personal attribute lottery. If you are nice on top of it, you are viewed as...
Carbs Are My Drug of Choice
In today's Podcast I share a very personal story about how, when I am feeling raw and cut to the quick, I unconsciously numb with unhealthy food choices. I also share how I have just recently become aware of what my triggers are. Inherently an athlete and someone who...
Cyberspace Is Still a Space and What You Do In It Matters
I spend a lot of time on the Internet. I use it predominantly for work. But I also use it to feel connected to friends, family, and like-minded individuals, as a way to share what I am passionate about, as a source of inspiration, and as a way to both feel and...